Gulfport vs Laurel: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Gulfport, MS and Laurel, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Gulfport, MS | Laurel, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $104,376▲ | $83,451 |
| Hourly Rate | $50.18▲ | $40.12 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,476▲ | $68,228 |
| 25th Percentile | $84,714▲ | $72,677 |
| 75th Percentile | $111,231▲ | $95,610 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $129,673▲ | $102,528 |
| Total Employed | 310▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Gulfport, MS offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Laurel.
The salary gap between Gulfport and Laurel is $20,925 (25.07%). Gulfport's median is -0.87% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Gulfport spans $53,197,Laurel spans $34,300. Gulfport has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Gulfport ($115,966 effective) pays 19.09% more than Laurel ($97,376 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Gulfport if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($104,376/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($129,673)
- ✓Larger job market (310 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $115,966)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Choose Laurel if…
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Gulfport grew 30.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 14.2% growth in Laurel over the same period.
Gulfport, MS
$78,240 (2019) → $101,870 (2025)
Laurel, MS
$71,333 (2024) → $81,447 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Gulfport, MS
Laurel, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Gulfport or Laurel?
What is the hourly rate difference between Gulfport and Laurel?
Should I relocate from Gulfport to Laurel as a physical therapist?
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Written by Alex Morgan, DPT
Career Analyst
Alex Morgan has over 10 years of experience in physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Alex works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.46% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Alex Morgan, DPT, a licensed physical therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov